Reinforcing the iconic Pacific Hotel
The 91-year-old Pacific Hotel is undergoing multi-million-dollar stabilisation works designed to future proof the iconic Yamba pub that was lauded as being "the most perfectly appointed place of all seaside resorts north of Sydney” when it opened in 1934.
Yamba Rod Run record – 511 entrants and thousands of admirers
Yamba was abuzz over the weekend as thousands of people enjoyed the 32nd Borderline Street Rodders Yamba Rod Run and the record 511 entrants who came from as far as Tasmania and Cairns to be a part of the fun. Saturday morning saw the traditional Show and Shine at Ford Park where almost 500 cars wowed the huge crowds from 9am until midday.
Mayor stands firm behind GM
Mayor Ray Smith has acknowledged his full support for Clarence Valley Council General Manager (GM) Laura Black, following a speech in the NSW upper house by Green’s Local Government spokesperson, Dr Amanda Cohn. Following the October 23 speech and subsequent fallout reported in local media, Cr Smith called an extraordinary meeting on November 3, at 11am, in the Grafton Chambers to address Dr Cohn’s speech.
“Damning” – Council controversy raised in NSW parliament: “When will Clarence Valley Council be held to account…”
The controversy enveloping Clarence Valley Council was raised in the NSW Legislative Council last week, when Dr Amanda Cohn unleashed her opinion under parliamentary privilege, putting local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on notice. The statement follows the polarising “Wrecking Ball” leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning a ‘suggested’ Council staff skit in the award-winning Jacaranda Festival.
Council reported to ICAC over ‘wrecking ball’ email
The fallout from the controversial ‘wrecking ball’ email continues weeks after it was leaked to the media, as Clarence Valley Council has been reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Clarence Valley Semi-Permanent Van Group Inc. spokesperson Simon Chase says he has commenced proceedings for alleged defamation against General Manager Laura Black.
It has been a long road back… but Yamba icon is on track to reopen
When the ferocious winds and torrential rain of former tropical cyclone Alfred hit town in March 2025, a Yamba icon was left battered and sodden. Now, through community generosity, and the determination to continue the family’s legacy, the Yamba Cinema will reopen before Christmas.
“Inappropriate and insensitive”
Rodney Stevens and Emma Pritchard. A leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning the award-winning Jacaranda Festival and the eviction of 136 semi-permanent caravans from Council managed caravan parks has been labelled ‘inappropriate’ and ‘insensitive’ by both the Mayor and a Jacaranda Festival Committee member.
Paramedic Peter clocks off
Grafton based intensive care paramedic Peter Maxwell clocked off from his last shift on Sunday after a rewarding 44-year long career with NSW Ambulance which also saw him meet his wife. But Mr Maxwell said he never had a burning ambition to join NSW Ambulance, his career came about by circumstance.
Ferry failure: up to an hour wait for Lawrence Ferry
Drivers using the Bluff Point ferry at Lawrence are waiting up to an hour to cross the Clarence River, with a school bus getting stuck when boarding the ferry last Thursday sparking panic in parents.
Bank exodus as push for cashless society continues
As the push for a cashless society continues, so does the exodus of financial institutions from the Yamba CBD, with BCU the latest to announce it will close its doors early next year. The Yamba CBD was once home to six different financial institutions, ANZ, BCU, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, St George, and Westpac.
